Chemistry of 2H-Azirines from Old to New — Selective Synthesis and Transformation

Abstract

2H-Azirines, the smallest nitrogen-containing heterocycle possessing high ring strain energy, have been investigated for many decades in view of both biological activities of themselves and their unique reactivities ascribed to the strain release. Their synthetic potential has been recognized again in this century, and various types of their synthetic methods and transformation reactions especially involving metal-catalyzed methodology have been reported. Herein, we describe historical developments and recent trends on the synthesis and transformation of 2H-azirines classified into reaction types. We also summarize recent papers on catalytic asymmetric synthesis concerning 2H-azirines as an important topic.